Earlier this week, Welsh Valley Middle School 7th grade Challenge students explored South Street to enjoy and photograph the work of Philadelphia mosaic artist, Isaiah Zagar. While spelunking, students captured the following cityscapes, depicting the terms revolution, repetition, reflection, reading and recycling.

REVOLUTION


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Pete Bannan • Main Line Times • June, 2012

Students and teachers at Welsh Valley Middle School recently unveiled their new mosaic designed by renowned Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar. The artist’s Magic Gardens is a famed destination on South Street and his murals grace buildings around Philadelphia. (more…)

Mosaic Mural • 10’x22′ • Welsh Valley Middle School

The Welsh Valley Middle School community recently teamed with one of Philadelphia’s most prolific and preeminent artistic visionaries, Isaiah Zagar, to create a monumental work of art. The project was spurred by a generous grant from the Lower Merion Education Foundation and further supported by LMSD administration, Welsh Valley Student Government and the Home & School Association.

Most every student worked to embellish Zagar’s original composition by creating, placing and polishing each individual tile. In addition to embodying communal harmony and the collaborative process, the work serves as a celebration of the life of a fallen student and friend, Sean King. Just like the installation dedicated in his name, Sean’s impact will continue to beautify and inspire for many years to come.

David Robinson • Lower Merion School District • February, 2012

Isaiah Zagar is a mosaic artist whose work is included in the permanent collections the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. He has received grants for his artistic excellence from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Pew Charitable Trust for his work in Interdisciplinary Arts. He recently visited Welsh Valley Middle School to begin a mosaic project with students and the art teachers, Todd Marrone and Lori Rogers. (more…)

Tile & Found Object Mosaic • 12’x12′ • Private Collection

I’m gearing up for next school year’s Isaiah Zagar mosaic mural project by gluing and grouting everything I can get my hands on.

Tile Mosaic on Plaster Skull • Skull Size • Private Collection

My school recently secured a grant to have Philadelphia artist, Isaiah Zagar, work with students to install a monumental mosaic mural. Consequently, I’ve been experimenting with various mosaic materials and techniques. Consequently, this skull is covered in tile.

I’m often asked, “Todd, what cool art related things would you recommend checking out in Philadelphia?” to which I typically reply, “Don’t call me when I’m at work, mom.” Well, I finally got around to writing the definitive insider’s guide to the Philadelphia art scene. (more…)